(2) what estimate he has made of how many television sets (a) able and (b) unable to receive digital television transmissions have been sold since his announcement in November 1999 that analogue services would be cut off. [141632]

Around 25,000 integrated digital television sets were sold in the last 12 months. Nearly all of the other new television sets sold are also able to receive digital television transmissions by using a set-top box. Some cheaper sets may not have the necessary socket, though we have no information about the exact number. We are currently negotiating a European directive stipulating that all the television sets sold in Europe should have at least one open interface socket permitting the connection of a digital receiver.

A date beyond which non-digital television sets cannot be sold can be set only with the agreement of the European Commission. Such a measure is currently being considered by the European Commission.